His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office has been conferred with the Lao State Decoration.
The conferment took place on the first day of the official visit by His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman to Laos, RTB reported.
In the itinerary on the first day of the official visit, His Royal Highness consented to receive in audience Lao Minister of Defence, Doungchay Phichit and Minister of Public Security Thongbanh Sengaphone.
During the audience His Royal Highness and the Laos minister exchanged views on defence cooperation.
Also present at the audience was Prince Abdul Qawi.
After the audience His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Abdul Qawi and Their Excellencies proceeded to the Indoor Stadium Sports Club for a friendly badminton match.
In a separate programme, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah visited two renowned handicraft centres in Vientianne.
The Fa Wattana Centre is a gallery space that displays the traditional modern art crafts in Laos.
The centre exhibits various range of products such as handmade silver-ware, gold, gems and textiles.
Meanwhile, the Nikone Handicraft Centre displays products of traditional skills of villagers in many parts of Laos. The centre offers home textiles, fashion accessories and gifts items.
Later in the evening His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness attended a ceremony at the State Guest House for the conferment of the Laos State Decoration.
At the ceremony His Royal Highness was conferred with the State Decoration 'Lian Kiatikhounh', one of the Lao Government's highest medals of honour. The decoration was presented by the Vice President of Laos, Choummaly Sayasone.
Their Royal Highnesses then attended a dinner in their honour hosted by the Vice President of Laos and his wife. Also present was Prince Abdul Qawi.
On the second day of the State Visit to Vientiane, Laos, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office visited the National University of Laos, Dong Dok.
On arrival, His Royal Highness was welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Education who is also President of Dong Dok University, Professor Dr Somkot Mangnomek.
From the university, His Royal Highness proceeded to the Lao Peoples Army Museum. Upon arrival His Royal Highness was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Lao National Defence, Lieutenant General Ay Soulivaseng and the Museum's Director, Lieutenant Colonel Bounpheauan Neunthalavong.
- Borneo Bulletin
(24th Mar 2006)
